Larry Joe Dunkin Sr. (Joe)
Larry Joe Dunkin Sr. (Joe), 77, of Karnak was welcomed into the arms of Jesus at 1:28 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at Baptist Health in Paducah, Ky., with family by his side after a short but hard-fought battle with an illness.
He was born on Oct. 15, 1947, in Balcom, the son of Lee and Lessie Laminack Dunkin. He was the fifth of six children.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. He was a truck driver for transporting troops and had the honor of guarding the White House. He was proud to be called a veteran.
He had a strong work ethic. He worked at Anderson’s Gas Station in Karnak for several years before working for the Village of Karnak. He was also the town cop. He medically retired in 2009 but was currently serving on the Karnak Board of Trustees.
Mr. Dunkin attended Eagle House Worship in Buncombe. He did have his faith in Jesus Christ.
His greatest pride and joy was his family. He was united in marriage to Patricia Henry on Sept. 9, 1977, after only knowing each other three weeks. They were married 47 years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Larry “Joey” Dunkin Jr. (Veronica) of Karnak and Robert Fairless (Amber) of Ullin; two daughters, Tina Riley (Terry) of Anna and Kami Johnson (Charles) of Metropolis; seven grandchildren, Timothy Dunkin (Hailey) of Grand Chain, Andrew Dunkin of Lee’s Summit, Mo., Jessi Riley of Lebanon, Ill., Addyson and Jordan Johnson of Metropolis, Kennedi and Emeri Fairless of Ullin; two step-grandchildren, Zac and Nick Riley; great-grandson Tucker Dunkin and another great-grandson on the way; two brothers, Bob Dunkin (Bev) of Richmond, Ind., and Jerry Dunkin (Louise) of Elk Creek, Mo.; one sister, Lorene Osman of Dongola; many nieces and nephews; and a special dog, Maggie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lee Dunkin Jr. and sister, Dorothy Henry; and his first wife, Linda Cline.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was most known for his grumpy face and sarcastic humor, but he was willing to do anything for anyone.
Funeral services honoring the life of Larry Joe Dunkin Sr. were at noon Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak. The Rev. Alan Milligan officiated.
Interment followed at the Cypress Cemetery. Military honors were accorded by the U.S. Army burial detail team.
Pallbearers were Terry Riley, Charles Johnson, Timothy Dunkin, Andrew Dunkin, Dakota Penrod and Heslip Wood Sr.
Memorials can be made to Eagle House Ministries, 3590 State Route 37 North, Buncombe, Ill. 62912.
Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak was in charge of arrangements.